Open access to historical information for landscape analysis in an SDI framework

The paper illustrates the potentials of geospatial data to access a historical digital atlas for landscape analysis and territorial government. The experience of a historical geo-portal, the "Atl@nte dei Catasti Storici," in the management of geo-referenced and non-geo-referenced maps-ancient cadastral and topographic maps of the Lombardy Region-can be considered a case study with common aspects to many European regions with an extensive cartographic heritage. The development of downstream Web-based services enables integration with other data sources (current maps, satellite and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle [UAV] airborne photogrammetry, and multi-spectral images and derived products). This provides new scenarios for retrieving geospatial knowledge in support of more sustainable management and governance of the territory. Copyright © 2013, IGI Global.